The Wingman

"Oh, no, sorry." Akemi said. "Toru's not here at the moment."

"Where is he, then? I thought it was his off day."

"Day off? One of them, yes." Akemi shrugged. "He's off in some remote worlds, looking for comics — and helping around, I'm sure. I was supposed to come, but I decided that doing nothing sounded great, too."

Yoisen sighed, a touch of frustration clouding her features. "I see. Thank you."

"You're… welcome?"

Yoisen bowed and then she left.

Inwardly, Akemi's curiosity was piqued. What could the enigmatic, white-haired woman possibly want with Toru?

Five minutes later, Yoisen paced her room. Her own room, in her own house, that was. Considering the occasion, she didn't feel like asking Naruto's wives for advice.

…No, perhaps that was a lie. She had asked a few questions, and come to regret even asking them soon enough. And so, there she was, looking for something to wear that wasn't half as indecent as Hanabi's suggestion of a dress.

Yoisen had the peculiar sensation of feeling both too hot and too cold at the same time.

She reached for the empty glass on her kitchen table. It filled itself and she took several greedy gulps of water. Then some more. She stopped her pacing in order to take a look at her reflection in the large mirror that had been a wall a moment ago.

'It is fine.' Yoisen told herself. 'I do not need any help, nor do I need Toru's advice. It is Naruto, whom I know well. We are only going out together. Everything just has to go right.'

Ah. Didn't work. In fact, it seemed to make it worse, if anything.

What the hell did she even know about dating in the first place? Even more so, modern dating? Naruto was bound to have a lot of experience with that. A man who had married four times at once, with countless rumors (started by people like Gama) about other affairs circulating, was surely an expert in such matters.

A thousand years of neglecting her dating skills left Yoisen feeling slightly inadequate. It was becoming obvious to her that she was likely to do or say something embarrassing to ruin the moment.

No. That was defeatist talk. Yoisen shook her head. She would prepare for this like she prepared for anything. Books were near useless on that front, and movies, similarly so. If for different reasons.

…Yes, perhaps she needed help.

Toru being unavailable left other candidates. One still owed her, in fact. She stopped pacing. Yes, that sounded like the best available course of action. Yoisen left her home once more, exiting through a golden rift.

She reached her destination right away.

"You are my wingman now." Yoisen then said decisively. "Because Toru is not available, and it is said that he trusts you."

And she trusted Toru's judgment, surprisingly. Perhaps if this failed, she would see if Akemi could help her.

He stared at her, wondering which deity it was that he had offended lately.

"That's what they call it, right?" She asked, with a bit less confidence. "Wingman?"

"…What the hell are you talking about?" He asked slowly, biting the inside of his mouth to dispel a potential genjutsu.

Yoisen took a deep, calming breath, her hands clenched at her sides before she looked him straight in his confused eyes.

"I have a date with Naruto." She said. "Help me not to make a complete fool of myself."

A long, almost (definitely) awkward silence filled the room before he let out a sound somewhere between a croak and a sigh.

"A date? With… Naruto?" He asked slowly. "I thought you two were fucking—"

"We are not." She answered hurriedly. "Will you help me anyway?"

He raised an eyebrow. "…Why are you even asking me? I'm hardly the romantic type. Go to… I don't know, his brother, Sasuke? Or the regent in all but name, Kai—"

"I was told you were an expert in these matters."

He paused and thought of it, sighing. It was true, he supposed. But even then—

Yoisen's eyes narrowed.

"Fine, fine!" Gama said, wincing. "I'll help."

A CERTAIN SWEETNESS

"I refuse to wear leather pants."

Gama groaned in dismay.

Originally, he had suggested she try on some outfits, under the guise of her own benefit. His hidden agenda was to subtly guide her toward more revealing attire to help her achieve her own goals, of course.

She had shut down both ideas promptly, however.

Each of the five outfits she had shown him were on the wrong side of conservative — which was the conservative side. And she declared each of them to be a 'no.' Or a 'certainly not.'

"Why not?" Gama asked, rubbing his temples.

"Too inappropriate." Yoisen said firmly. "Those are riding pants."

Gama gave her a long, studious look. "…Wasn't this the evening's plan?"

Color flooded Yoisen's cheeks. "No!"

If anything, Gama seemed even more confused. "Why not?"

"We are not going to do anything of the sort." Yoisen said, standing up straight. "We are not married."

"Ah." Gama said, in slow, dawning realization — the version of it that was the furthest place away from understanding. "You are one of those people."

Yoisen glared at him but kept her silence. She needed him alive, he thought with renewed certainty.

She went through three more outfits, each of them taking Gama on a trip through history — the boring sort.

Then she dug for another.

No. No more. He decided he had suffered enough.

"What are you so nervous about?" Gama finally asked.

Yoisen turned to face him. "What do you mean?

"You'll be fine." Gama said, rolling his eyes — behind his eyelids, because he wasn't suicidal. "It's obvious that the big man likes you."

She blushed, a delicate hue coloring her cheeks, and Gama remembered she was beautiful, when she wasn't looking at him like she was about to impale him on a pike and leave his rotting carcass out in the sun, to serve as a deterrent for any potential invaders. Like she likely used to do.

"You are only saying that, now." Yoisen said.

"…Man, are you blind or something?" The dangerously blank expression was back on her face. "…Sorry. Do you need more… tips? Do you feel ready for your date?"

"…Mostly, now." She admitted. "It is only a matter of selecting an appropriate outfit."

"Right." Gama sighed again. "I guess you know where you're going and all."

Yoisen paused.

"…Are you kidding me?" Gama muttered.

"I forgot." Yoisen said. "Naruto said the name of the place, and I forgot it."

(Did not manage to focus enough to hear it.)

"Then send him a message!" Gama protested.

"No." She said flatly. "Then he would realize I was only pretending to know the place."

Gama moaned in disbelief.

"Do not presume you are allowed to mock me." Yoisen said. "I need your help, not your judgment."

"Have you never been on a date? Those are the basics!"

"There was a lot going on." Yoisen said defensively. "Running a war, toppling other governments."

"Even then."

"You do not know what life was like, then."

"I know it sounds fucking depressing!"

"Well, it was."

"Ask him."

"No."

"Ask him!"

"No."

"You're acting like a child!" Gama grunted. "Swallow your pride."

"Do it for me." Yoisen said. "Ask him."

"Hell no." Gama grunted. "There's no way this won't be creepy as shit."

"Naruto already believes you are 'creepy as shit.'" Yoisen countered. "He said it, actually."

Gama growled. "Is this supposed to convince me?"

Yoisen frowned. "Toru would have helped me."

"So what?" Gama shrugged. "If Toru was here, I 'd be having fun, right now."

After close to another hour, Yoisen finally decided upon an outfit.

Gama decided he could wait for another day to die.

Then she asked him more questions, and the idea returned.

Naruto was waiting for Yoisen in Hakugyoku's heart.

The city was one of the most important among the newly established ones, and as such, was constructed predominantly from white marble. Four towers of the same color rose near the Waygates; four canals crossed the city and divided it into nine quarters.

Naruto stood down the equally white marble stairs, which cascaded down like a river of stone. Each step, of course, was polished to a reflective sheen.

Flanking the staircase, lush green hedges were meticulously trimmed, and many exotic plants grew in the gardens along the path. All of which provided a vivid contrast to the pristine marble.

There was the gentle sound of a nearby fountain, and he could see snowflakes drifting. Perhaps they should do something about this winter weather in fall, he mused.

Tall, elegant lamp posts lined the path leading to the stairs, their warm light beginning to flicker to life as early evening approached. The city's skyline, set against the amber sky, was a beautiful backdrop.

Yoisen arrived then.

She was clad in an elegant ensemble; a flowing yukata that cascaded fluidly with her every step. It was not a traditional cut: it hinted at the modern, but retained the charm of the traditional. Her pale hair curled artfully around her face and tumbled down her shoulders. Draped over them and covering a gold pendant was a scarf, complementing her attire and standing out against the snowy whispers.

Naruto took a look at his own outfit, a dark jacket over a beige shirt and dark trousers, and felt somewhat underdressed, in comparison. Huh.

She saw him then and smiled at him, with a warmth that by now, he was half-convinced was only for him.

It was warm and tender; honest and nearly shy, like the first few rays of sun on a winter day. It was full of affection and a touch of embarrassment.

It was hard to describe how he himself felt. For a moment, he wondered if she could read as much in him as he could in her, from the smile he gave her. Yoisen drew closer and suddenly all he could smell was her. Jasmine and a hint of cedar wood; the smoky touch of a bonfire. Autumn leaves.

She pressed something into his hands, a bit more clumsily than her usual grace.

"I… have brought you some chocolates!" She said by way of greeting. Her voice held a tremble of excitement. "Is this fine?"

"Hello, Yoisen." He greeted her warmly, his heart swelling with affection. Standing on her tippy toes, she nearly fell out of her geta, reaching up to him. "It is absolutely fine, thank you." He stepped forward and gently wrapped his arms around her in a tender hug, feeling her relax slightly in his embrace.

"Ah, good evening, Naruto." She responded, her enthusiasm mirroring his. Her eyes, the color of molten gold, danced with joy and a flutter of nervousness.

He silently vowed to ease her nerves, holding her a moment longer in the soft hug.

"I hope you are not feeling cold." Naruto said, with an open smile.

"I am not. This sort of cold can hardly touch a fire wielder." She replied, confidently, and her tone was lighter for it.

"It can hardly touch you."

"That is what I said." She nodded eagerly.

He laughed. "Of course. Ready for the movie?" The question was casual.

But Yoisen only blinked in answer. Confusion crossed her features.

"…The movie?" She finally echoed.

"Yes, the movie." He said, a hint of bewilderment in his voice.

A silence fell, filled with the soft hush of falling snow as she processed the information.

"I thought we were going to..." Her voice faded, unsure.

"To Shinwa?" He supplied helpfully.

"Yes, to that place." Yoisen confirmed.

"It is a cinema." He clarified with gentle amusement.

Yoisen kept quiet for another moment. "I see."

"Did you misunderstand?"

"Perhaps, yes." Yoisen nodded.

"What did you think Shinwa was?"

She hesitated, glancing away briefly. "...Does it matter?"

"Ah. I suppose not." Naruto shrugged amusedly. "Happens to the best of us. Why didn't you ask, though?"

She turned away this time, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Let's assume there was a good reason." He said, his lips curving into an understanding smile. He offered her his arm.

There was a small, minute twitch to her lips, as she fought to suppress a smile of her own. She linked arms with him, and did so happily.

"Let us."

…

On the short walk to Shinwa, Naruto and Yoisen spoke of many small things.

It was a fifteen to twenty minute walk, and the evening air was brisk, carrying the scent of flowers that bloomed in winter, as Naruto led her through a narrow path, sheltered by towering trees.

They passed through a secluded garden, awash in the golden glow of the setting sun. She felt herself relaxing. Her lips curved up into a smile that was soon matched by Naruto's.

"This is a beautiful place."

Naruto smiled softly. "I thought you might like it, yes." He pointed at a bright purple flower. "That's a Kushigaki rose, right? If so, they were brought here by people from Hikarimori."

Yoisen only shook her head, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "...Not quite. That is a lavender."

He accepted the answer with a sheepish shrug. "Ah. Can't blame a guy for trying."

She teased him about it lightly as they passed more plants and flowers. Perhaps he played along with her, because any of the other plants he pointed out, he guessed wrong. No. To his credit, one he guessed correctly, but considering he seemed more surprised than anything, perhaps it didn't count.

By the time they reached Shinwa, Yoisen was giggling helplessly. Naruto was smiling, and he seemed pretty happy with himself for that.

They stepped into the cinema, which had recently opened its doors, into a spacious lobby with a high ceiling. Soft music played in the background, and the walls were adorned with artistic depiction of famous scenes from both classic and contemporary films, each rendered in a style that paid homage to traditional art.

Yoisen was staring at something in bemusement. At a distributor — and Naruto was slightly surprised. "You never had popcorn…?" He guessed.

She shook her head. "Is it any good?"

"The sweet kind is." Naruto said. "Although… I guess that depends on who you're asking."

"Oh?" Yoisen asked, trying to sound wise. Her fingers lightly rested on his strong forearm, feeling the solid muscle beneath his skin; he smelled of the ozone just after a storm.

"Some will tell you that salty is the only correct choice." He said wryly. "And they might get quite passionate about it."

Yoisen smiled. "Do you mean Sakura, by any chance?"

Their relationship was rather unique. Even on their first date, which she hoped wouldn't be their last, her casual mention of his wife didn't stir any discomfort.

"Yeah." He admitted ruefully. "I meant Sakura. And perhaps salty is how I would often describe her, too."

That won him an amused laugh, and they picked a sweet bag from the dispenser. Grinning, they weaved past several other couples. Naruto led her into one of the theater rooms, finding a cozy alcove on the upper level that offered them privacy.

They were a few minutes early, which was a good thing. Naruto privately hated missing trailers for other movies at the beginning. The house lights were still on, and it gave Yoisen the opportunity to quickly scan the room. Many of the alcoves were occupied, mostly by couples. Down on the lower floor, small groups were laughing and chatting. Many had come alone, too.

Naruto made a come-hither motion with his fingers, a seal glowed, and a small floating table shimmered into existence. He set the popcorn on it.

"Wine?" He asked her.

"I beg your pardon?"

"Do you want some wine?" He repeated, now amused.

Yoisen hesitated. She was somewhat worried about the sort of thing she might do or say under the influence. Gama had suggested for her to drink, as it "loosened the tongue and lightened the heart."

Then again, Gama was likely an alcoholic.

Naruto smiled again. "Got you. No wine, then—"

"Just one glass, please." Yoisen said.

With a casual shrug, Naruto summoned a purple bottle onto the table. Alongside it, two glasses materialized, clear and pristine. He filled each glass with a practiced ease.

Their glasses met in a gentle clink.

Unlike the bottle it was poured from, the wine was a deep, ruby red, and it caught the light of the room. Yoisen tasted hints of dark berries, a touch of oak. As well as a certain sweetness underneath that lingered pleasantly on her palate.

To her, there was nothing particularly intimate about sharing a drink. She had shared many with old comrades, some that she liked, some that she hated; toasting to victories and mourning losses.

It felt different tonight.

And she suddenly wondered.

"Won't Ino mind?" Yoisen ventured, a hint of concern threading her voice. "It… slipped my mind, then, but…"

Naruto smiled, and it was both comforting and sincere. "No." He said confidently. "I don't think she will."

"What makes you so sure?"

His mouth spread with a wider smile. "Her words, mainly."

There wasn't much she could say to that. "Oh."

Yoisen relaxed into the seat and removed her scarf. Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Naruto's quick glance at her exposed shoulders. She hoped Gama knew what he was saying, because now she was starting to have her doubts.

A soft pulse interrupted the moment.

Yoisen took a moment to recognize it. It was the talisman, that tiny, enchanted jewel nestled within every Celestial Ring citizen's chakra core. The little marvel which granted them permanent access to the Relay and its multitude of functions.

It pulsed with a specific pattern, relaying a message to Yoisen. From the slight, politely hidden amusement on Naruto's face, he knew exactly what the sound had meant. "Abnormal heart rate detected." Yoisen closed her eyes in consternation, face burning.

"You can turn those off." Naruto offered. "Or keep them private."

Yoisen sighed. "…I really should have."

Had she known how.

"Here, if you'll let me." He offered, and once she allowed his chakra to touch hers, it was done rather quickly.

"Thank you." She muttered. "Apologies for that."

"Apologies?" Naruto echoed. "No need for that."

"I… will admit to feeling slightly nervous."

"Well, of course you are." Naruto said, grinning at her. "You're with the Emperor, great and terrible."

Her laughter rang out, light and genuine.

"A sinner, undoubtedly." She managed to tease back. "But please, spare me your moral abyss."

His eyes were deep into hers, dark and amused. "I'll do my best."

She was drawn to him, but she resisted. "Your best to…?"

Naruto's grin widened in answer, and he edged closer. Yoisen felt herself do the same, almost expectantly…

"Now… See this guy?" Naruto asked, pointing at someone in the audience. Yoisen followed his finger. "He's the one who played the lead role in Shinobi: Dance of Death III."

"Kiriyama?" Yoisen asked, eyebrows raised in question. "I can hardly believe it. He seems too…"

"Meek?" Naruto asked.

"Well, I wouldn't have put it quite like that, but it also works, yes." Yoisen told him. "He really looks different offscreen."

"He is a nice guy in real life." Naruto said, very seriously. "Kind of like me."

A snort escaped Yoisen. "Was this your entire point?"

"Was there supposed to be more to it?" Naruto asked, giving her a knowing glance. "There's not that much to say about that series of movies."

"Do you have anything against the Dance of Death series, perhaps?" She stared back. "I rather enjoyed them, you know."

"Not the first five times Karin made me see them, no."

She laughed, shaking her head.

Then, as the lights slowly dimmed, he turned his purple eyes on her again. They were warm, and piercing too. She squirmed a bit, his gaze dropped to her shoulders for a split moment, and the same flutter returned to Yoisen's stomach. Naruto looked away and she caught her breath.

'Curse your stars in bitter grief and woe, Gama.'

Clearing her throat, Yoisen motioned for the bag of popcorn to fly to her hand. The sweet scent hit her nose, and her stomach growled.

"…Is it considered rude to begin eating those before the movie begins?" She asked Naruto.

His eyes were on her again. "Depends. Are you going to eat all of them?"

She playfully slapped his shoulder, smiling. "I am more than willing to share."

There was a slight pause, a brief silence that fell between them.

Then her face turned entirely crimson.

"That is not what I meant!" She said hurriedly.

"Oh?" He asked amusedly, raising an eyebrow. "Then are you not willing to share?"

Yoisen continued to redden. "I am — That is — Why must you torture me so?" She hid her face in her hands.

"Sorry." He apologized, but didn't manage to make it sound honest at all. "It's hard not to, if you're being this cute."

He meant her personality, she thought. Her stomach continued to flip anyway. She was nearly glad for the movie trailers to finally begin. Nearly.

They sat back and settled in, leaving the popcorn bag in between them.

Over the next hundred and ten or so minutes, they ate and laughed, and she hid her face a few more times, too. She gasped a few times at a shocking twist or revelation, and laughed when he did the same, entirely unashamed.

After a while, she noticed she was nearly leaning on his shoulder, as he himself laid back into his seat, and they were both entirely comfortable. Distance seemed like a relative, remote concept anyway, and so she leaned on him entirely, instead. It felt right.

It wasn't like watching movies with Sakura, whose preferences oscillated sharply between extremes: cheesy romances or two-hour violence fests, with nearly nothing in between. It wasn't like Karin, who had a penchant for selecting the most outlandish B-movies that often left one questioning cinematic tastes. Not like Hanabi, who had a habit of talking through films, her commentary both hilarious and distracting at the same time.

With Naruto, they usually sat in comfortable silence for most of the movie, and today was no exception. By the time the credits rolled, Yoisen could not remember much of that particular movie, however. Aside from the fact that she hadn't been this relaxed in a long, long time.

She laughed and smiled and joked and forgot everything about what awaited them out there.

And she hoped that the rest of her life could be like tonight, if only occasionally.

…

She didn't feel like going home yet.

And that went for either home. There was a lump in her throat as the lights came back up, as they left the theater and spoke of the movie they just watched. Things felt right between them.

The night was still young, besides. Perhaps it would be appropriate to suggest—

"I don't feel like going home yet." Naruto said, smiling at her. "What about you?"

And as she answered that she didn't want that either, they soon found themselves in a restaurant. Half an hour later, they were halfway through a bottle of wine, laughing.

"I cannot believe you haven't tried your hand at kintsugi." Yoisen said, looking over at Naruto like he should hand over his Well-Adjusted-Tyrant card. "Back in the day, it was the rage — do people still use that expression?"

"All the rage." Naruto corrected, grinning. "And I never saw a use for it. Anything I broke, I could easily repair fully or replace."

"Perhaps." Yoisen nodded sagely. "But kintsugi was more than this. It is a statement. Perhaps even a testament to imperfection." She leaned in forward, grinning. "Besides, how else is one to show how profound they are…?"

"I wouldn't know." Naruto said, with the same sort of impish smile. "Most tend to overestimate my depth without any help from me."

Her laughter was a gentle challenge. "I suppose you find chanoyu equally frivolous?"

He grinned. "I won't say, then." He then pretended to think. "I was rather partial to tsujigiri, myself."

Yoisen snorted midway through a sip of wine, and it was very unladylike. She couldn't bring herself to care.

Another half hour; the night sky was dark, and she was blissfully relaxed. It felt as though she had been smiling for so long that the muscles there were aching gently.

There were so many little things she wanted to tell him about, to ask him about.

So that's what she did. Yoisen dove, with all too much detail, into the gentle curves of Sukiya-zukuri, detailing why and how each line in these tea houses was meant to mimic the serene flow of a mountain stream. She contrasted this graceful simplicity with the grand, imposing structures of Shinden-zukuri. She spoke of either with equal fervor, describing grand halls akin to palaces in old folktales, whose eaves soared like the wings of a mythical crane.

He asked about photography, and her eyes sparkled like stars. She spoke of Kanshitsu-hō, which to her, was the best method to capture fleeting light through morning mist, to create images as delicate as cherry blossoms in spring. Ryōshi-shashin, on the other hand, was closer to the bold strokes of sumi-e painting, and used to frame the world in stark black and white, something as dramatic as a thunderstorm over Mount Gōkana.

She hoped that she painted vivid pictures, that she wove a beautiful tale of how each style evolved. And so she spoke of history and artistry, until any ordinary listener would have been drowsy or bored. Not Naruto. His eyes remained alight with genuine interest, utterly captivated.

He would lean forward, eagerly soaking in every word.

" Tell me more about the way light plays in Kumo-no-Sasayaki."

His questions were thoughtful, and before she knew it, she was delving deeper and deeper, revealing more of her world to him.

"What made you start, then?"

And so did he, in return.

"Did you really climb it? As a child?"

"Sarutobi gave me hell for it. But the view was amazing."

"I have to admit… I did something similar, myself. Did you fall, as well?"

Time seemed to slip through their fingers as they laughed together.

"What do they say, exactly?"

She shrugged. "Some think you're trying to make the whole realm Uzumaki."

"That's slightly ambitious, even for me."

Naruto… was brilliant. He often downplayed it, but he was funny, charming and smart. Beautiful too, of course, which could be distracting. Although, Yoisen knew she was biased.

"You made it yourself?" He asked, seemingly impressed. "I didn't even know this was possible, without these eyes."

"With my own two hands." She said proudly.

He was engaging, challenging; he met her heart beat faster, made her face flush as easily as he could make her laugh.

"Hanabi said you danced at the festival?"

"Yes. And I only stepped on a few toes."

Their tongues were loosened slightly by the wine Yoisen had told herself and Gama she wouldn't drink.

"Mother used to say it's worn for good luck." She glanced at him. "...I think it's working."

She still didn't feel like going home.

"Is it my fault that their eyes are so eerily intense?"

"Don't tell Hanabi that." He grinned. "She would get jealous."

The gentle buzz from the wine was like a melody in her veins, and the night, although not so young anymore, still felt like a canvas only half-painted.

"You've traveled to all these countries?"

"Each and every single one of them… Would you like to hear about the worst?"

He nodded. "Absolutely."

As Yoisen's laughter grew freer with each glass, each story they shared, her guard lowered.

"You write poetry?"

"When the mood strikes." She smiled bashfully. "Perhaps I'll share it with you one day."

"Mine makes me cringe. I'd love to read yours, though."

Her eyes sparkled with a lively energy, and she hoped that he found them as utterly captivating as she found his.

"Ah, I am having so much fun." Yoisen laughed. "How many centuries has it been since my heart was lit aflutter like that?"

Her hand brushed against his as she reached for her glass, letting her fingers graze his for a moment longer than necessary. Naruto simply smiled, as though unaware of the deliberate tenderness behind it.

"Perhaps." He acknowledged. "But you wouldn't be you, then. And that would be a shame."

The night before, she had thought of a thousand clever things to say to him.

"I consider myself blessed to have you in my life."

They lingered in the restaurant for so long that nearly everyone was gone.

"Home is anywhere all of you are."

She still didn't want the night to end.

"I have always admired that about you. Among other things."

The wine she had drunk made her bolder than usual.

"Would you like to see the sunrise with me?"

"If you're not too tired."

"I can easily last all night — Curse you!"

"What did I do now, Yoisen…?"

Yoisen suggested they leave, and so they did, waving goodbye to the cheerful, pale humanoid being behind the counter.

It bore repeating that the night before, she had thought of a thousand clever things to say to him. Things that might have impressed him. She could remember none of them, and so they simply talked without pretense as they made their way outside the restaurant.

Time continued to slip by as they walked through the now snow-covered streets, over bridges, under arches. Their footsteps left twin trails in the soft powder.

"If I weren't a shinobi?" Naruto echoed. He thought of it for a few moments and then laughed. "Ah. That's kinda funny, I guess."

"What is?"

"For all of my shit-talking about it, as a kid… I never really thought of anything else." He said. "What about you?"

Yoisen smiled. "I am still unsure, as well. It feels as though I have lived many lives. Anything I found interesting, I eventually learned about. Perhaps architecture, in the end…? Photography? Theater play? Movies? Writing epics? There are so many enticing options."

She thought that perhaps she shouldn't have glanced at him as she said so.

They continued their stroll, and the snowflakes seemed to dance around them.

"And... I used to wonder." Yoisen said, her voice thoughtful. "But that was long ago. What life would be like if things were simpler. No wars, no battles, just... living. We have that now, don't we?"

Naruto looked at her, his purple eyes looking light in the night. "A simple life, then? Maybe I'd become a teacher — a terrible one. A few wives and children… the usual civilian life, you know. And I'd just enjoy the relative tranquility of dealing with hellions both at home and outside."

Her laughter echoed softly in the air. "Such words wouldn't sound nearly as charming from anyone else, I assure you."

"I am well aware of my effect on you." He said with a playful grin.

She blushed deeper at this and shook her head without looking at him. "If you say so."

As they crossed another bridge, Yoisen leaned on the railing, looking at the near freezing water below, glittering with the reflections of the city lights. "Picture it, then." She said quietly. "This normal, quiet life. The big family, along with the usual, the less-than-usual squabbles."

Naruto joined her, their shoulders touching. There was a question in her words, and there was one in his eyes, as well. "Would that sort of thing be a good life, to you?"

Yoisen turned to him, a glimmer of something fragile in her eyes. "It could be, with the right person. Or people."

There was a pause, a moment where the playful air seemed to thicken.

Then Naruto let out a theatrical sigh. "Oh, what is a man to do, then?"

"Love me, I suppose."

She had intended to say it as a joke, in the lightest of tones. But she made the mistake of looking into his eyes as she spoke. And she felt the taste of wine on her tongue, too. In the end, when the words escaped her lips, they didn't sound like what she had intended at all.

For a moment, Naruto's eyes held hers, warm and unreadable.

Then, he smiled an easy smile. "Perhaps we've had a bit too much to drink, Yoisen."

There was an icy sensation in her stomach, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the alcohol.

Yoisen had feared she might ruin things — yet she'd eagerly shared drinks with him. Now, her boldness felt premature, a misstep borne of liquid courage. Or perhaps it was on him, for seemingly pulling back, with this infuriatingly light tone of his.

"Come with me." He said, smiling softly. "I will bring us home. We can talk about this tomorrow if you like."

She was starting to feel cold, and it had nothing to do with the snow around them.

Before she could censor herself, words tumbled out. "That is an odd thing to say."

Naruto blinked. "What is?"

"I may have had a few drinks." She said. "What of it?"

He seemed to understand what she meant. "Yoisen… I think this is a conversation we should have when clear-headed."

Perhaps he wasn't pulling back for no reason at all, then.

She turned to study him. Snowflakes were collecting around them, melting whenever they came too close. Her hand was still in his, gently, firmly; her eyes were lidded, and she was breathing heavily.

He was watching her. A frisson of heat shot through her as she peered into the depths of his eyes. If anyone watched them now, they would probably seem as though two people inside a crystal ball, whose fate was sealed. Perhaps it had been.

She stared up at the hem of his shirt, at the golden skin underneath. He reached for her face with one hand, slowly dragging his thumb along her jaw. Then, over the arc of her cheek, watching her from heavy, dark eyes.

Then, he let his hand fall, smiled and looked away.

Yes. Perhaps she had misread him, and he wasn't pulling back at all.

Yoisen swallowed hard. She closed her eyes, dragged a hand near her temple, and a green glow softly emanated from it.

"There." She said with confidence she didn't feel. "There, you have it. Clear-headed."

When she opened her eyes, he only stared at her, slightly bemused.

The moment burned itself into her brain, the falling snow, his eyes set into hers, his misty breath.

The look on his face could have drowned out all sound, and his eyes were all she could see.

"Even then?" He asked, voice low.

"Yes. This doesn't change anything." Yoisen said, her voice steady, betraying none of the sensation of falling that gripped her inside. "I might have said it in the clumsiest of ways, but my thoughts, my feelings are too obvious to need words, aren't they?"

He held her gaze steadily, before nodding once. He did the same as she just did, and soon he was sober, too.

Yoisen sensed a silent invitation in his stillness. It was as if he was giving her space, waiting for her to make the final decision, to listen to any last shred of doubt she might harbor.

As if there was any.

She stepped forward. He met her halfway.

Their faces were close, close enough to touch, centimeters apart; she felt his hot breath over her face.

And then he was cradling her face in his hands, gently. She felt herself go slightly numb in the fierce hold of his stare, his pupils dark and hungry. There he was, himself, tender and sure, and full of a hunger that made her weak in the knees.

He pulled her in, and his lips met hers.

There had been many times in which Yoisen wondered how he felt about her, exactly.

The question, if it had truly been one, was answered with shuttering eyelids, and there suddenly was no more room for doubt.

It wasn't appreciation, it wasn't like, wasn't just lust.

It was something that stole the breath from her throat, the strength from her limbs. He drew her close, pressing her flush against him, and she pulled him in all the same, greedily. Her arms slid around his neck as though that was where they had always been supposed to be, slightly wet from the falling snow. Her breath misted over as she smiled at him.

"My bad." He said, smiling too, and there was not the slightest hint of regret to be found in his eyes. "I couldn't resist—"

Yoisen did not let him finish his sentence, dragging him back for more.

At long last, she got to do what she badly wanted for a long, long while, dragging her fingers into his hair. The thick strands were damp from the snow, slippery between her fingers.

The two of them split to readjust, to try out different rhythms. She wanted all of him, to familiarize herself with everything.

His kiss reminded her of the summer fireworks festivals, although she quickly lost that strand of thought as well. He felt better than she had ever dreamed, and she had done quite a lot of that, already.

His hand lingered near her throat, and the other slid along her back to cup her waist. He was good with them, of course; firm, tender and reverent altogether. Her mouth rose to kiss his neck, and he hummed, eyes hooded as they met hers.

She made a soft sound against his neck as his hands strayed further, further, but never far enough. Her skin felt as though it were on fire, and she was all too aware of it. Yoisen broke the silence, seeking for a distraction; something to hold on to.

"I have to admit, I'm a bit unskilled at this." She admitted, wondering when her voice had dropped so low.

He shook his head. "You're perfect."

Their lips continued to meet, their hands continued to paw, until her mouth felt bruised and her body, dying for more. But Naruto let it taper to an easy close, as though reminding her of her own principles.

Perhaps it was a good thing. Although why that was, she couldn't truly remember. Right now, it felt as though there were no bad ideas.

…

There were bad ideas.

Naruto was acutely aware that drinking again, especially at home with Yoisen, was one of them.

His wives were gone, and had seemingly left the house to them. Someone had left a bottle of whiskey on the table, along with an elegantly written note. Naruto thought he recognized the flawless handwriting. But what could Gama, out of all people, hope to gain from sending them a bottle…?

His arm was around her waist, and there was a flicker of recognition, of dismay in her eyes as she glanced at the gift. And still…

"...I do not usually indulge in spirits." Yoisen murmured, her head tilting slightly towards him.

That was reasonable, Naruto thought.

"...But perhaps tonight, I might make an exception." Yoisen said, glancing up at him. "I did ask if you wanted to see the sunrise with me."

Naruto decided he was dumb enough to go along with it.

And so they sat, tangled in covers, near the fireplace, talking about a thousand little things again.

And not so little things, all the same.

"Once they were gone, I was alone. I — I suppose I never had anyone." She confided. "…Are you certain — are you serious about this? About us?"

"Yes." His response was earnest, eyes sincere. And he hoped that his words conveyed his feelings clearly. "I want this."

"...I see. I am glad." Yoisen's gaze dropped, a soft admission escaping her lips. Her heart felt like it was caught in her throat. "I... have grown quite fond of you, you know."

Naruto's smile reached his eyes. "And I love you."

At his declaration, Yoisen stiffened. Or rather, she froze entirely, her eyes wide and almost fearful.

In the silence that followed, her eyes darted about, flitting from one point to another in a silent, frantic search for something — perhaps reassurance, perhaps an escape.

Her lips parted slightly, trembling at the edges, as if words were on the cusp of forming but couldn't quite break free. She seemed trapped in a moment that, from the outside, seemed filled with hesitation, but in truth, was wrestling with emotions too intense and raw to articulate.

"Yoisen?" He prompted softly, a note of concern threading his voice.

A whisper, so faint it was nearly lost to the silence, escaped her lips. It was barely audible.

He leaned in, unsure if he'd heard her right.

Her eyes met his, a newfound resolve flickering within them. "…I love you too!" She burst out, repeating her words, much stronger this time, her voice filled with an emotion so genuine that it seemed she had been dying to say it.

His laughter was soft, a warm embrace in itself. "Yes. I have come to realize it."

Gently, he cradled her face in his hands, feeling her pulse quicken. Leaning in, he kissed her softly. It was a chaste kiss, and it spoke of a deep bond.

"Oh…" Yoisen sighed blissfully. "If I smiled any wider — I have let my guard down, haven't I? And it's all your fault."

…

Tonight, the bottle was emptied quickly, in between fleeting kisses and whispered confessions.

"Do you…" Yoisen hesitated, fidgeting slightly. The vulnerability in her voice was unmistakable. "Do you want to stay the night? With — me?"

It was their house, meaning all of them. Naruto wasn't about to point it out now, however. "Gladly."

Taking her hand, he followed her lead, heading towards what had recently been an empty room.

As they walked, Yoisen leaned on him for support, her steps slightly unsteady. Through the window wall, Naruto could see the soft glow of Umi's lights in the distance. His heart swelled with an affectionate concern for her, aware as he was of her tipsy condition, similar to his own. Aware of her beliefs about the topic, of her parents' words, as well.

He held onto these feelings, and he maintained a soft but firm demeanor.

They reached the room, and she guided him inside. The room was unmistakably hers: already, it was filled with books and furniture he had previously seen in one of her safe-houses.

As Yoisen attempted to guide him towards her bed, her movements were endearingly awkward. Her intentions were obvious, yet she remained silent, tentative. Naruto found it charming, though he kept this thought to himself.

Had she been sober, had she found the will to sober up, he would have gladly joined her anyway. But she wasn't, and she didn't.

He kissed her, and she whispered something against her lips.

Then, Naruto's attention was abruptly drawn to something else. A small, unexpected item fell from the normally sealed pocket of her dress, landing on the bed. She fumbled for it, and it landed on the floor. The sound it made cut through the air, drawing a sudden, sobering silence from Yoisen.

Naruto decided to address the elephant in the room, a mix of curiosity and amusement in his voice.

"…Condoms?" He asked, one eyebrow arching in surprise.

Most ninja rarely bothered these days, unless they were sleeping with non-chakra users. And that was for their sake.

Yoisen's face flushed with embarrassment, a myriad of new reds painting her cheeks. He thought he could guess at her thoughts: preparation was one thing, having those preparations exposed so blatantly was another.

(And she cursed Gama.)

"Ah, yes. Those." Yoisen said, her eyes firmly set on the wall, as if it were suddenly the most fascinating object in the room. "I… ah. I was advised it would be a good idea to carry them, you see."

Naruto's soft chuckle filled the space between them. "Pretty thorough of you."

"I suppose." Yoisen mumbled a response, her nerves seemingly on edge. "Ah, just to clarify, they're for us. In case we… decide to." The words tumbled out before she could stop them. She seemed to regret blurting them out, too. "Not that we have to, of course — obviously — I just…"

Before she could decide to crawl into a hole or disappear into the void, Naruto cut her off gently. He caught the sincerity in her flustered ramblings. "Hey, it's okay. I get it." He said, softly.

Yoisen's eyes finally met his. "…You do?"

"Yeah, I do." He assured her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You want to be prepared, and there's nothing wrong with that. Whenever that time comes. No pressure."

The relief that washed over Yoisen was palpable. "…Thank you."

"What for?" He tilted his head. "If anything, it's kind of endearing."

"...I sought advice." Yoisen admitted.

"Oh?" Naruto asked, smiling. "Who was it, Sakura?"

Yoisen had asked her, in fact.

("Play hard to get — that's what they all do in the romances you may or may not have caught me reading. If you need advice on that, I would suggest asking Yugito, she's even better at it than me, and I was the best. Though it might take you a few days until she admits she's doing it — if she ever does.")

"It wasn't Sakura." Yoisen clarified. "Her advice was rather counterintuitive."

"Is she still saying some nonsense about making the other one chase you?" As though she ever did.

"Essentially, yes."

"Karin, then?" Naruto asked.

Yoisen's expression shifted uncomfortably. "Her advice was a bit too... forward."

"Sexually charged?" He asked wryly.

"You could say that." Yoisen agreed, a hint of amusement in her voice.

"Please don't tell me it was Hanabi, at least." He said, shaking his head. "With the sort of erotica she reads and draws, these days…"

"…It was awful." Yoisen admitted. "But no, not her."

"Then who?" Naruto mused, aware that Ino probably wasn't a choice. It could be Toru or Sasuke. Anko or Orochimaru were wild cards, potentially either helpful or traumatizing. Yugito…?

With a sigh, Yoisen admitted it. "Gama."

Naruto guffawed. Then he realized she was serious.

"Well, that explains the bottle, then." Naruto said, still chuckling. "But for real…?" He asked. "That guy…? And… condoms?"

"…He said you likely had every disease under the sun." Yoisen said, not meeting his eyes.

A bark-like laugh escaped Naruto. "Figures."

…

They spoke some more.

He then bade her good night when she yawned, and moved to leave the room. Her hand grabbed his wrist.

"Stay with me." She murmured. "I would enjoy your company."

She was not hinting anything: there was no underlying suggestion in her words, only a sincere desire for closeness.

Naruto's answer was to reach out to stroke her hair, smiling with his eyes. "I can do that."

He made his way to the other side of the bed, his movements relaxed as he shed his clothes, leaving only his underwear.

"Scoot over, then." He said with a grin. "I just knew you'd be too used to taking up all of the bed."

"Do you often envision me sprawled across the bed?" She asked eagerly, seemingly before she could think it through. Her eyes widened at her own boldness the next instant.

Naruto's grin only grew wider. "Should I answer this?"

"…Perhaps another time." She replied, a blush coloring her cheeks.

Comfortable silence stretched between them again.

"…Perhaps I should shed my clothes too — Shouldn't I?" Yoisen asked.

He shrugged, laughing. "That's entirely your decision."

"Yes." She decided. "It would only be fair."

In the dim light, Naruto felt rather than saw her movements: he heard a shuffle and a thump. And then, warm fingers fumbled their way across his back. A question, just as hesitant: "May I touch you — your shoulders, I mean?"

Naruto chuckled. "Of course."

She was staring, and he knew it. The moment he glanced back, however, she looked away.

Her arm snaked around him, drawing her body closer to his, skin against skin…

"Yoisen?" He murmured, after realizing.

"…What is it?" She whispered back, tentatively.

"No, nothing."

He hadn't expected her to be so bold. Or perhaps this was different.

In a gesture of solidarity, he slipped off his own underwear, feeling her sharp intake of breath against his skin.

She nestled closer. He could feel her take deep breaths near his neck, her chest rising and falling against his back, and the gentle pressure of two nubs against him.

"You're just…" Yoisen started, her words trailing off. "I never thought I…"

"That you…?"

He slowly turned around to meet wide, golden eyes, which seemed brighter than the stars above, right now.

"Do you realize how fleeting years seem when you've lived a thousand…?" She asked, seemingly in wonder. "Weeks blur into centuries. To me, even the day we met might as well have been yesterday."

Naruto's smile mirrored hers, soft and understanding, as he brushed a stray lock of hair from her face. "I thought it was, honestly."

She shook her head, smiling at him. "But it is not. And it is easy for me to tell."

"Why is that?"

"Well..." Yoisen paused. "The day that I met you is the day I started dreaming again." Her voice was soft, nearly quiet, and her eyes glistened in the moonlight. "I simply didn't know it, then."

A warmth unfurled in Naruto's chest, a tender and indescribable feeling. Words eluded him, their usual clarity fading in the face of such raw emotion.

Yoisen's smile broadened, and her cheeks were entirely flushed, a rosy hue that wasn't from the alcohol. "Tonight, however, felt like forever."

He tilted his head, intrigued, his heart beating a little faster. "Oh?" Naruto asked, his gaze drifting from her lips to her eyes. "And how does forever sound to you?"

"Perfectly acceptable."

lensdump

i/4lRj57 : A Snowy Night